How To Pick The Right Running Shoes

Unless you’re planning to go barefoot, a pair of good quality athletic shoes is one of the most important things you need to buy before you start your running regime.

At this point, you’re probably asking yourself, "What exactly do I need to consider when buying a new pair of runners?"

We're glad you asked. 

Where you plan to run will play a big role in your decision. If you’re planning to run on the pavement, you will be looking for a road-running shoe. These are light and flexible and attempt to cushion and support your feet as they repeatedly pound against hard surfaces. They are also appropriate for treadmills.

If you’re planning to run across more rugged routes with mud, rocks and tree roots, you’ll probably need trail-running shoes, which have a thicker tread than road shoes, which means better grip.

Then there are cross-training shoes which are designed for cross-training and gym workouts. They tend to have thinner soles.

The midsole of the shoe is the part found between your insole and outsole. It’s usually cushioned. When buying a new running shoe, you need to ensure that there is good density and good bounce, so you have adequate support while running. 

Like a good set of lungs, you want to ensure your shoes can breathe, otherwise they will get too sweaty while running. If there is too much moisture in your shoe, this could lead to painful blisters as well as incredibly smelly feet. With that in mind, make sure there are a lot of perforations (i.e. little breathable holes/mesh) across the shoe, particularly at the front (the forefoot). This is especially important when you’re running in hot and humid conditions (hello, Australia!).

It’s important to ensure that the heel of your shoe is supportive. Ideally, it should be durable and hug your ankle (but not so tightly that it causes blisters). If your shoe is too loose around your ankle, it will begin to roll around in your shoe, increasing your chances of injury. You don’t want to sprain your ankle while running, do you?

While we alluded to the importance of the tread in your sole earlier in the article, it’s worth reiterating. You want to ensure that the bottom of your shoe is durable, so it doesn’t damage easily. Likewise, your shoe must have a good grip so you don’t slip over and injure yourself during your run. The nature of your tread and grip is dependent on where you plan to run, so perhaps have a word with a shoe seller before taking the plunge. 

According to experts, it’s highly important to thread your laces through those last pair of holes at the top of your shoe, as it will give you an extra bit of comfort and stability, which is super important for people who are running.

For more running tips, check out our blog on the best running apps for beginners, and how to select the best running route.